Raptors eclipse the Suns to snap losing streak

Your Toronto Raptors snapped their three game losing streak with a 123-114 win against the 24-38 Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. With the win Toronto improves to 43-18 which puts them 1.5 games ahead of the (41-19) Celtics.

Raptors sweep the season series

Tuesday’s game was the last Toronto versus Phoenix match-up of the season. The Raptors won the season series 2-0. Toronto averaged 120.5 points per game on 49.4% shooting against a Phoenix team that holds opponents to an average of 113.5 on 47.3%.

The Raptors outrebounded the Suns 47.5 to 34.5, an outrageous 13 boards a game. Toronto holds Phoenix to 8.5 rebounds lower than their average.

The Return of Spicy P

Pascal Siakam had himself a game. He asserted himself on offense, pouring in a game-high 33 points on 60% (12/20) shooting. Siakam was aggressive early, with only 4 of his 12 shot attempts coming from beyond the arc. He shot 55% (5/9) from three point range in the contest. These are the types of games games Pascal needs to have, attacking the post as opposed to settling for post fades and long distance shots.

The Offensive Guard

Kyle Lowry came out reinvigorated. Lowry’s averages slid during the losing streak and to see him have a performance like Tuesday’s was extremely reassuring. 28 points on 42%/50%/100% shooting with 5 rebounds and 6 assists is phenomenal, especially considering the injury scare in the first half.

Norman Powell poured in 26 points in the contest, offering the scoring punch that the Raptors dearly need with Fred VanVleet out with injury.

Pas de réponse pour Boucher

Chis Boucher was an absolute monster in the contest. He outplayed 2018’s #1 draft pick Deandre Ayton on the boards 15-14 while scoring 19 points to Ayton’s 13. This is Boucher’s first 15 and 15 game. With Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka out the line-up Boucher performing as a true centre is extremely valuable. Hopefully we see more of these games from the Canadian big man.

Up Next for the Raptors

Toronto heads to the Chase Centre to take on the 14-48 Golden State Warriors. The last time the Raptors visited the Warriors it ended with a championship. The Raptors look to spoil Steph Curry’s return from injury during this rematch.